Amazing; that was the first word that came into my head when I was asked what I thought of the Future Leaders Course.
At the opening meeting I thought it was going to be yet another course repeating the same old tired teachings that we’ve heard time and time again. As someone who is sometimes mistaken but never wrong, this truly was a first, I couldn’t have been any more wrong.
The IESE Business School Campus was out of this world, and it quickly became apparent while learning at the University that anything below world class standard wasn’t welcome. The Professors were absolutely incredible, the course material clearly had so much thought behind it and you could tell a lot of research had gone into creating the course.
The course made me realise that I can’t do everything myself and without my team I’m nothing. You need to trust your staff; they are the people with their fingers on the pulse of the business. I also found that it’s my duty and responsibility to ensure that they understand what the company’s values and goals are.
Most importantly I recognised that it is my job to make sure they feel wanted, loved and safe in the knowledge that although as individuals they perform well, it is within our team they make a real difference.
The course taught me that the key is investing time in people, listening to them and guiding them. Time is of equal worth to everyone; we all have 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week, regardless of individual wealth and social status. People may thank you when you give them money but this is a business transaction, but when you devote your time, people appreciate your efforts on a personal level.
Take this scenario for example. You are moving home, a friend gives you £100 to help with moving costs, so you can hire a van, buy boxes etc. Another friend comes to your house, helps box up your belongings, load it, travel to your new home and then unload and unpack your belongings.
In 6 months time, both friends ask for a favour on the same day. Which one do you help? I’ll let you answer the question but I know which one I would help; the friend who dedicated and committed time and effort.
I believe that our customers are the companies’ heart, but it’s the staff that ensures it beats. The more respected and guided the staff feel, the better they will interact with customers, and therefore the happier the customer. The heart will beat strong.
More People More Active More Often
